Third Trimester Yoga Tips: The Downward Dog Dilemma

If you’re a pregnant yoga mama, you may have heard that adho muka svanasana (downward-facing dog or “DFD”) isn’t safe to do during your third trimester of pregnancy. As with many of these safety guidelines, though, the reasons behind the rule may remain unclear.

Have you ever wondered why DFD may not be your BFF as you approach your birth day?

It’s an important question, especially for any expectant mamas who have a vinyasa flow practice, where downward-facing dog is a regular posture throughout the class. Some people believe inversions (like DFD) will negatively influence your baby’s positioning, which isn’t ideal in the third trimester as you’re preparing for birth. The answer, though, isn’t to eliminate DFD totally.

Second Trimester Yoga Tips: Keep Tummy Time for the Kids

Less fatigue (maybe), more excited phone calls and Facebook posts (perhaps), no more nausea (ideally), additional energy (I hope?)… you might even think about having sex again.

Someday.

Even if you’re not feeling completely relieved by now, the “second third” section of pregnancy is, indeed, noted as the most blissful of all three — with most women reporting less discomfort, a renewed sense of well-being and an overall feeling of normalcy compared to the first 3 months.

First Trimester Yoga Tips: The Pre-Bump Bra Strap Rule

Your body might feel different, but it doesn’t yet appear to be different. Instead of looking like there’s a baby in there, it really just looks like you ate a big burrito.

People are puzzled: pregnant or just pudgy?

In fact, aside from the “morning” sickness, sore breasts and hormonal hurricanes, let’s just call it as we see it, pumpkin — you don’t even look pregnant to yourself.

You may still wear the same clothes and still sleep on your belly. You may be the mama who sheepishly says “I’m 10 weeks along” instead of the one who beams while announcing that she’s practically waddling into the delivery room. You may even still be taking your regular yoga class… but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to modify it a bit.

Hate Networking? Then You’ll Love This.

This week, I’m hanging out with fellow yoga biz teachers on the Yoga Teacher Blog Tour, a 30-day e-extravaganza that dishes up daily, free business tips for private yoga instructors. (If you missed yesterday’s pose, head over to hear Betsy Rippentrop, Dr. Yoga Momma, discuss “5 Tips Every Yoga Teacher Needs to Know” from her unique perspective as a psychologist and yoga teacher, and stay tuned tomorrow to check out Julian Walker of YogaTeacherGradSchool.com!)

Accordingly, this love note is designed for all of you private yoga teacher readers… but even if you’ve never taught or practiced yoga, it’s a message we can all relate to!